By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT PhilBoxing.com Sun, 13 Jul 2025
July 13, 2025
Manolo “Chino” Trinidad lived life to the fullest. Every day seemed like the perfect broadcast. He moved through the world with that signature bounce in his step, carrying a microphone, a smile, and a purpose. A year has passed since Chino left, but somehow, his voice feels even closer. It is because he gave us every bit of himself through his narrative.
The Interview That Resonate
One of his last and most treasured interviews lives on through his YouTube channel ‘Chino Trinidad’.
In his 2021 feature, PACQUIAO FIGHT ON: Looking Back and Forward on Manny Pacquiao’s Journey, Chino spoke with a boxing legend like long-lost friends catching up.
The video opens with a viewpoint Chino had carried for decades, “As early as 1995, Manny Pacquiao already had what it takes to be great.”
In the film, Chino described the young Pacquiao, “He can very well be the next Luisito Espinosa.” That was Mr. Trinidad- on point, Nakatutok. Luisito Espinosa was blazing in gloves and dazzling in footwork. Chino saw the same promise in Manny’s early steps.
The film followed Pacquiao’s journey from the early days. It was filmed by Jhay Oh Otamias at Wild Card Gym and edited by Ronald Sardes. More than an interview, it felt and looked like two friends catching up after years apart.
He Lived for the Fight
Chino didn’t wait for headlines to do what mattered. Last year, he helped artist Rodolfo “Jun” Aquino and sculptor Frederic Caedo revitalize Pancho Villa’s grave at the Manila North Cemetery.
Throughout his career in journalism, he covered all kinds of athletes— not just rising fighters and seasoned boxers, but also the colorful personalities around the ring. He rooted for the underdog, lifted the overlooked, and highlighted the resilient spirit of us Filipinos.
He Lit Up the Room
If you knew Chino, you knew the energy in his voice and the warmth in his humor. He told stories with passion because that’s how he lived. He wasn’t afraid to say what was on his mind. He wasn’t afraid to believe that what he was doing was honorable.
At the Gala of Champions on March 23, 2024, he showed up at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel with his beloved parents Recah and Fe Trinidad, not as a VIP but as a fellow torchbearer.
“Manoy, let me know what I can do,” he reassured this aspiring writer and curator, ”Let’s make it happen.”
Our Guardian Angel
Chino lived with such force, such sincerity, such gusto, that you can still feel his presence in every gym that thunder with punches and footwork, in every radio station and live streaming outfits like DZME, in every fighter about to walk to the ring with nothing but hope and desire.
Chino Trinidad is our guardian angel. His voice will live in every story we tell. And because of him we know how to tell it right.
"Nothing is difficult when you value other people. As long as you love sports and your country, you can think of many things to do (Walang mahirap kapag nabibigyan mo pahalaga ang ibang tao. Basta mahal mo sports at bayan mo e marami ka maiisip gawin),” a grateful Jason “Jhay Oh” Otamias told Philboxing.com, revisiting a sentiment Chino once shared.
As Manny Pacquiao puts the final touches on his training camp for what could be the biggest comeback of his career— July 19, 2025, against WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, under PBC— there’s no doubt in our hearts.
Chino will be watching from up above, cheering not just for Manny Pacquiao, but for the love of the fight game and the country he never stopped fighting for.
Chino is our friend, our reporter. To him we say, “Duyan ka ng Magiting.”
That was how Chino lived. And that’s how we will remember him.
Manny Pacquiao publicly said this back in July 2024, “Chino was more than a great journalist; he was a true patriot who loved Philippine sports with all his heart. His honesty and dedication inspired many. Thank you, Chino, for everything.”
